Texas state women's road champion Amy Brown of Houston poses with Liquigas rider and Boulder resident, Ted King before King's ride on Monday. Riders of all levels flocked to the prologue for the chance to hang out with the very best of the sport.

Denver native and Garmin-Sharp team owner Jonathan Vaoghters directs his team in 2011. Vaughters was inspired to lead his own top-shelf team to promote clean, drug-free racing afetr his pro experience inwhich he felt pressured to dope.

Fast Freddy Rodriquez flies through a curve on the Garden of the Gods prologue course in 2011. Rodriguez will be wearing the stars and stripes of US Nation Road Champion when he returns to the USAPCC with his new team, Jelly Belly.

Fan favorite Jens Voigt talks to fans while preparing to ride. The amiable German is a super-domestique, carrying water, chasing down breaks and protecting his team leader, but can still win races at 41.